You know you live with a teenage boy when you wake up and there's a rusty Jeep gas tank sitting on your kitchen floor! He's looking for a new one, online, but it was made just before the changeover, so there's some question regarding the part number. He needed a visual for comparison with the pictures on the websites...
Yup!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
On Scheduling
I love to plan. It is one of my favorite parts of preparing to start school. I have found, however, that plans change, moment by moment, and the schedule needs to be a guideline, rather than a hard and fast rule. This is especially true if there are younger children in the house. They change ‘with each passing glance,’ as Randy Stonehill says. What worked in the morning may not work in the afternoon.
My friend and I have been passing schedules back and forth. We learn a lot from each other and find that it is beneficial to share our ideas for our homes. She has 9 children at home, all under the age of 14. More power to her! I have a mere 6 at home, from age 6 to 18. So my house schedule looks a bit different than hers.
The purpose of scheduling is to meet several levels of need. The younger children need the familiarity and the routine. This helps them develop a sense of purpose for their days. For moms, we need the routine in order to slay the dragons of our lives. Confusion is a tool of the devil. God is orderly and precise. But underlying that order is a sense of purpose, an ultimate goal for our betterment that is reached through the tool of orderliness. Another purpose of the schedule is to train the older children in priorities. They are in the process of learning how to order their own lives. Little by little we hand over the scheduling process to them, allowing them to discern what is good and what is best. My friend’s oldest daughter sets her own schedule, at age 14. She has researched what is required for graduation and has laid out a course for the next 4 years to accomplish that goal. Within that structure, you can see what is important to her, and how God might use this young woman for His purposes in her future. My 15ds is also accomplishing this task, setting his schedule in order to achieve the best graduation scenario and a path for success in his future. In this process, they are learning to be responsible for their own choices, while still under the guidance of moms and dads who have already been there.
I am a coach for my 18ds. I have laid out what he needs and he has determined to alter it according to what he sees are his needs. We are a team, laying the groundwork for his future goals. He is unclear, at present, what that road will ultimately look like, but the parameters are being set as we work together.
A people with vision will thrive before the Lord.
My friend and I have been passing schedules back and forth. We learn a lot from each other and find that it is beneficial to share our ideas for our homes. She has 9 children at home, all under the age of 14. More power to her! I have a mere 6 at home, from age 6 to 18. So my house schedule looks a bit different than hers.
The purpose of scheduling is to meet several levels of need. The younger children need the familiarity and the routine. This helps them develop a sense of purpose for their days. For moms, we need the routine in order to slay the dragons of our lives. Confusion is a tool of the devil. God is orderly and precise. But underlying that order is a sense of purpose, an ultimate goal for our betterment that is reached through the tool of orderliness. Another purpose of the schedule is to train the older children in priorities. They are in the process of learning how to order their own lives. Little by little we hand over the scheduling process to them, allowing them to discern what is good and what is best. My friend’s oldest daughter sets her own schedule, at age 14. She has researched what is required for graduation and has laid out a course for the next 4 years to accomplish that goal. Within that structure, you can see what is important to her, and how God might use this young woman for His purposes in her future. My 15ds is also accomplishing this task, setting his schedule in order to achieve the best graduation scenario and a path for success in his future. In this process, they are learning to be responsible for their own choices, while still under the guidance of moms and dads who have already been there.
I am a coach for my 18ds. I have laid out what he needs and he has determined to alter it according to what he sees are his needs. We are a team, laying the groundwork for his future goals. He is unclear, at present, what that road will ultimately look like, but the parameters are being set as we work together.
A people with vision will thrive before the Lord.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
On Motivation
This comes from another blog - I thought it was very good.
http://lifenurturingeducation.com/2008/08/21/motivating-students-with-relevant-lessons/
http://lifenurturingeducation.com/2008/08/21/motivating-students-with-relevant-lessons/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Why do I homeschool?
Why am I homeschooling?
There are a couple of reasons. First, I was commissioned by God to do so. Ok, how can you argue with that one, right? Nevertheless, it was an aha moment, when my first daughter was in preschool. I told my husband and he said ‘absolutely not!’
Well, ok then.
So I prayed. Did I hear God incorrectly? Or was I supposed to just wait on Him?
So heated was my husband’s attitude about homeschooling that I seriously thought that he might never speak to me again if I broached the subject one more time. (I didn’t nag him, you understand, I only brought it up twice, once to open the subject and another time to ask, ‘are you sure?’)
Then a Homeschool conference came to town. Gregg Harris. So I prayed and ventured to open the subject one last time. I told my husband about the conference, suggested that he go hear Gregg Harris. Then, I told him that if Mr. Harris’ spiel didn’t convince him that homeschooling was a good idea, I would never bring up the subject again.
Half way through Harris’ lecture, my husband turned to me and asked what curriculum I was going to use.
For me, this was an issue of obedience to God, Liberty of Conscience, and submission to my husband. It was quite a balancing act!
The second reason I homeschool is because the Bible states that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach, to raise up, to train their children. If this is the case, then I must seriously consider what that looks like for my family. I do not ever point at others and say that they ought to homeschool. This is a matter of conscience before the Lord.
It is not ‘fashionable’ or even favorable at times, from a personal standpoint. Children are hard work. I’m on, 24/7. Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes I get sick. Sometimes my children don’t like me. There is much labor and often little immediate reward. So don’t think I have done this for my own personal gain.
That said, there is a third reason. And that is to watch those ‘aha’ moments happen in my children’s faces. If they went to the public school, I would miss those. Years of labor and dedication may yield only a few of those, depending on the child. I could not bear to miss those few. Some children have them daily, and this is, indeed, a blessing of great magnitude.
The fourth reason I homeschool is because I want my children to have the influence of a biblical education. There is no question that this would not occur in the public school. My time with them would be so limited and so dominated by the education process offered by the school system, that I would have to take a back seat with any instruction I wished to give them. In my humble opinion, it is much harder to train up a child in the admonition of the Lord, if they are only with me a few hours a day. It would take a better person than I to accomplish that.
There are a couple of reasons. First, I was commissioned by God to do so. Ok, how can you argue with that one, right? Nevertheless, it was an aha moment, when my first daughter was in preschool. I told my husband and he said ‘absolutely not!’
Well, ok then.
So I prayed. Did I hear God incorrectly? Or was I supposed to just wait on Him?
So heated was my husband’s attitude about homeschooling that I seriously thought that he might never speak to me again if I broached the subject one more time. (I didn’t nag him, you understand, I only brought it up twice, once to open the subject and another time to ask, ‘are you sure?’)
Then a Homeschool conference came to town. Gregg Harris. So I prayed and ventured to open the subject one last time. I told my husband about the conference, suggested that he go hear Gregg Harris. Then, I told him that if Mr. Harris’ spiel didn’t convince him that homeschooling was a good idea, I would never bring up the subject again.
Half way through Harris’ lecture, my husband turned to me and asked what curriculum I was going to use.
For me, this was an issue of obedience to God, Liberty of Conscience, and submission to my husband. It was quite a balancing act!
The second reason I homeschool is because the Bible states that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach, to raise up, to train their children. If this is the case, then I must seriously consider what that looks like for my family. I do not ever point at others and say that they ought to homeschool. This is a matter of conscience before the Lord.
It is not ‘fashionable’ or even favorable at times, from a personal standpoint. Children are hard work. I’m on, 24/7. Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes I get sick. Sometimes my children don’t like me. There is much labor and often little immediate reward. So don’t think I have done this for my own personal gain.
That said, there is a third reason. And that is to watch those ‘aha’ moments happen in my children’s faces. If they went to the public school, I would miss those. Years of labor and dedication may yield only a few of those, depending on the child. I could not bear to miss those few. Some children have them daily, and this is, indeed, a blessing of great magnitude.
The fourth reason I homeschool is because I want my children to have the influence of a biblical education. There is no question that this would not occur in the public school. My time with them would be so limited and so dominated by the education process offered by the school system, that I would have to take a back seat with any instruction I wished to give them. In my humble opinion, it is much harder to train up a child in the admonition of the Lord, if they are only with me a few hours a day. It would take a better person than I to accomplish that.
In light of my renewed sense of vision...
I would like to run through a series on homeschooling. The first entry follows.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
All in a day...
After walking a brisk mile with Josh, we've begun school, even though we have not yet begun school. It's 11:30 and I've done 3 loads of laundry, planned a lesson for the 1st Module of Biology on 'What is Life?,' helped Josh do a lesson in Elementary Algebra, assisted him in answering the question, "Who is God?" for his Theology class (next step is the arguments for the existence of God), directed 11ds and 10dd in removing her furniture so that we can prep her room to paint, directed 13ds in morning chores (He's Hammy with attitude this morning!), kept an eye on 11ds while he sawed a tree into firewood pieces, directed 5ds in cleaning up his room, ironed 6 shirts (every shirt my dh owns must be ironed), scheduled a field trip to the Jeffco safety fair, scheduled a ride-along for 15ds with a local deputy (yes, 'mine'!), scheduled two planning meetings and the first date to meet for our History co-op, and planned a meeting later this afternoon with Ted to discuss co-teaching Biology. Josh has to be at work at 3:00 and there are still weeds to pull and dead trees to gather for cutting up. Plans later include reading a story, and directing 10dd in making dinner tonight. I also have the cleaning of 2 bathroom to supervise, and Josh is currently asking for help in designing a wood plaque.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Just over 2 weeks...
...until school starts for us. Many have already started, it seems, in our area.
We are currently clearning our land (2 acres) of slash and dead Aspens. A few dead pines. And we're praying over our pines...no beetles, please!
I got a bug to paint...it's all the deputy's fault! And my friend, Tish's. But my 10yo dd wants her room painted, lavenders. And the new theme is black-eyed susans. So I also have two shades of green and a yellow, in order to paint stencils. I found a really cool stencil of the pretty flowers. I was searching for something for 'the deputy' (Sorry, his name has to be left out), because he likes black-eyed susans, and we fell in love with them. Do you know, it's hard to find paintings or photos or decor in black-eyed susans that is affordable?? I found some that were over $800! I just wanted to send him a thank you, thank you very much. I finally found something - hope he likes it. Hard to tell with someone you just met - even though I think of him as 'everyone's favorite brother.'
When dd's room is done, I'll move on to the kitchen, and then maybe the downstairs family room, aka 'boys' room.' My kitchen theme will include black-eyed susans, too, along with pine cones. I love the pine cones that fall around our house.
I got carrots! Well, ok, I got a whole whopping 3 of them. But it's a start! Don't laugh! I have a black thumb, and I actually got something to grow... The broccoli is growing nicely, but I lost the spinach. We'll see what happens with the red beets, and the beans are taking over the side of my house. I don't know how I'll move them inside - shoulda built a green house!
I'm excited about school starting. But I'll be better when my mother is settled. The kids have already started their work, even though I'm not directing! Boo-yah!
We had an awesome sermon on Sunday - Ps 63:1-8. My dh mentioned that one preacher, when asked why so many came to hear him preach in the tent meetings, said that they come to 'watch him burn.' It was that way on Sunday. There was so much passion behind the message that you could almost see the flames catching on the whole group. I'm going to get a copy of the tape so we can hear him again. Kyle is a man who knows how to preach/teach. We all left feeling a lot like I did after spending time with 'the deputy.' Motivated. Encouraged. In awe of God.
Oh God, you are my God.
Earnestly will I seek you.
Like Enoch, I want to seek Him, simply because I can do nothing else. We serve God because He's awesome. One look and I want to 'stick to Him like glue.' A moment with Him inspires a devotion to be with Him even more. I want to be like Luther, who said "Here I stand. I can do no other." - I'll have to check the quote on that, but it's close.
Cool! God is awesome!
We are currently clearning our land (2 acres) of slash and dead Aspens. A few dead pines. And we're praying over our pines...no beetles, please!
I got a bug to paint...it's all the deputy's fault! And my friend, Tish's. But my 10yo dd wants her room painted, lavenders. And the new theme is black-eyed susans. So I also have two shades of green and a yellow, in order to paint stencils. I found a really cool stencil of the pretty flowers. I was searching for something for 'the deputy' (Sorry, his name has to be left out), because he likes black-eyed susans, and we fell in love with them. Do you know, it's hard to find paintings or photos or decor in black-eyed susans that is affordable?? I found some that were over $800! I just wanted to send him a thank you, thank you very much. I finally found something - hope he likes it. Hard to tell with someone you just met - even though I think of him as 'everyone's favorite brother.'
When dd's room is done, I'll move on to the kitchen, and then maybe the downstairs family room, aka 'boys' room.' My kitchen theme will include black-eyed susans, too, along with pine cones. I love the pine cones that fall around our house.
I got carrots! Well, ok, I got a whole whopping 3 of them. But it's a start! Don't laugh! I have a black thumb, and I actually got something to grow... The broccoli is growing nicely, but I lost the spinach. We'll see what happens with the red beets, and the beans are taking over the side of my house. I don't know how I'll move them inside - shoulda built a green house!
I'm excited about school starting. But I'll be better when my mother is settled. The kids have already started their work, even though I'm not directing! Boo-yah!
We had an awesome sermon on Sunday - Ps 63:1-8. My dh mentioned that one preacher, when asked why so many came to hear him preach in the tent meetings, said that they come to 'watch him burn.' It was that way on Sunday. There was so much passion behind the message that you could almost see the flames catching on the whole group. I'm going to get a copy of the tape so we can hear him again. Kyle is a man who knows how to preach/teach. We all left feeling a lot like I did after spending time with 'the deputy.' Motivated. Encouraged. In awe of God.
Oh God, you are my God.
Earnestly will I seek you.
Like Enoch, I want to seek Him, simply because I can do nothing else. We serve God because He's awesome. One look and I want to 'stick to Him like glue.' A moment with Him inspires a devotion to be with Him even more. I want to be like Luther, who said "Here I stand. I can do no other." - I'll have to check the quote on that, but it's close.
Cool! God is awesome!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Fall Cleaning
Meeting with the Deputy for a full eight hours did something to me. There is a significance to his 'job' that stems from the way he lives life. No moment is wasted, because every one is precious. Isn't this the way of the 'normal Christian life'? I have been somewhat pensive since my foray into serving and protecting. Is my life significant? Am I leading my children in significance, and modeling it? These are good questions to ask, especially as I enter our school year.
Every year, just before school starts, I renew the vision that God gave me. If I don't, He tends to renew it for me. This year, I was floundering a little. So He renewed my vision through a 38yo man of character who spoke simply about the work he does while I sat in awe - not even so much in awe of him, I mean, he's just a man, after all. But I was in awe of the truth, the honestly, the humility and the courage that I want so much for myself. I spend so much time with my children...and this is not a bad thing. But occasionally, I need to meet with adults who have as much substance as this Deputy.
I have some friends who are like this as well. Some in Cali, and some here in CO. But I must admit that they are far and few between. When you find them, you want to hold on and not ever let go. You want what they have to rub off on you. Do I show such character? Does anyone want me to rub off on them? I am an average sort of person. But is my life affecting others in a significant way? It is a question that drives me to my knees.
In spending so much time with my children, I tend to get to a point where I run dry. I feel used up and tired. I sort of steel myself for the last few laps. This is so different from what I have just experienced. Sheer tenacity to reach a finish line is so much less than the experience of being fueled, of being lifted toward the shore by the current that leads you home. This - this is vision.
The Bible says that a people without vision will perish. I see it. I have a whole new understanding of it. It's not necessarily that they will be wiped out. You understand? It's that they may continue on, without a destination, without a purpose, without any significance to the steps that they take. This is the saddest existence that I can imagine.
If I can model a life that moves in the footsteps of Enoch, I will be content. Of all the heroes that I can imagine, Enoch is at the top of that list. He walked with God. He has, what? one sentence, maybe two, in the Bible about him. He has no long story of heroic acts. But he walked with God and then he was no more, because God took him.
I don't know if 'my' Deputy believes in God, but he has led me to a deeper appreciation of following God, of walking daily. Who better to give me a clear vision than the One who sees all?
"Oh God, you are my God. Earnestly will I seek You."
Every year, just before school starts, I renew the vision that God gave me. If I don't, He tends to renew it for me. This year, I was floundering a little. So He renewed my vision through a 38yo man of character who spoke simply about the work he does while I sat in awe - not even so much in awe of him, I mean, he's just a man, after all. But I was in awe of the truth, the honestly, the humility and the courage that I want so much for myself. I spend so much time with my children...and this is not a bad thing. But occasionally, I need to meet with adults who have as much substance as this Deputy.
I have some friends who are like this as well. Some in Cali, and some here in CO. But I must admit that they are far and few between. When you find them, you want to hold on and not ever let go. You want what they have to rub off on you. Do I show such character? Does anyone want me to rub off on them? I am an average sort of person. But is my life affecting others in a significant way? It is a question that drives me to my knees.
In spending so much time with my children, I tend to get to a point where I run dry. I feel used up and tired. I sort of steel myself for the last few laps. This is so different from what I have just experienced. Sheer tenacity to reach a finish line is so much less than the experience of being fueled, of being lifted toward the shore by the current that leads you home. This - this is vision.
The Bible says that a people without vision will perish. I see it. I have a whole new understanding of it. It's not necessarily that they will be wiped out. You understand? It's that they may continue on, without a destination, without a purpose, without any significance to the steps that they take. This is the saddest existence that I can imagine.
If I can model a life that moves in the footsteps of Enoch, I will be content. Of all the heroes that I can imagine, Enoch is at the top of that list. He walked with God. He has, what? one sentence, maybe two, in the Bible about him. He has no long story of heroic acts. But he walked with God and then he was no more, because God took him.
I don't know if 'my' Deputy believes in God, but he has led me to a deeper appreciation of following God, of walking daily. Who better to give me a clear vision than the One who sees all?
"Oh God, you are my God. Earnestly will I seek You."
Monday, August 11, 2008
School is looming ahead...
OK, well, maybe it's actually here. I've had 5 of my kids ask to start now. So off we go. We're putting together binders, and ordering books. We're signing up for things, and laying out the schedule, talking about jobs for my two oldest boys.
My 'best laid plans' have been changed, of course, as they always are. For instance, I'm not doing Human Physiology yet, but Biology. Ah, well, we'll get there. :-) It's actually a good move.
So, we have:
Old World History review, along with Geography and Literature.
American History, Geography and Literature.
Government will continue from last year, as we tackle the US Constitution, using 'Steve' as our curriculum guide.
Grammar and Spelling, of course, using Rod & Staff and Writing Road to Reading. We're adding Latin this year.
Biology, for the whole family, but geared to Jr. High/High School level.
Advanced Physics (thankful for Ted, who is teaching it) for Brian (and Josh may sit in)
Theology, self - directed by questions, such as Who is God?, What is man?, How are we saved?, etc.
Bible includes reading the Bible in a year, and WTB charts to supplement. Josh is adding Greek to his own studies.
Two of the boys are heading into Algebra, while the rest are still working their way through the beginning of Ray's. Brian is self-directed in Algebra, along with Physics.
Brian never finished Chemistry, which is simply because he hated it. He had determined that he will finish it along with the rest of his work load.
Brian may continue with CAP for one more year. His only hesitation is that it feels more like a club. He wants to do search and rescue and Encampment, NRA certification and survival training.
I think we're doing co-op again.
Dance is on Mondays for 1.5 hours, down in town, one day a week.
Each of the kids has a night that they plan for and cook dinner.
For PE, we are only running/walking a mile every day, twice a day. I can't afford sports. And I can't run, due to sciatica. Getting old - in fact, today is my birthday. :-)
My mother is moving out here soon, so I have to plan for that, too.
Life in the fast lane - boo yah!
My 'best laid plans' have been changed, of course, as they always are. For instance, I'm not doing Human Physiology yet, but Biology. Ah, well, we'll get there. :-) It's actually a good move.
So, we have:
Old World History review, along with Geography and Literature.
American History, Geography and Literature.
Government will continue from last year, as we tackle the US Constitution, using 'Steve' as our curriculum guide.
Grammar and Spelling, of course, using Rod & Staff and Writing Road to Reading. We're adding Latin this year.
Biology, for the whole family, but geared to Jr. High/High School level.
Advanced Physics (thankful for Ted, who is teaching it) for Brian (and Josh may sit in)
Theology, self - directed by questions, such as Who is God?, What is man?, How are we saved?, etc.
Bible includes reading the Bible in a year, and WTB charts to supplement. Josh is adding Greek to his own studies.
Two of the boys are heading into Algebra, while the rest are still working their way through the beginning of Ray's. Brian is self-directed in Algebra, along with Physics.
Brian never finished Chemistry, which is simply because he hated it. He had determined that he will finish it along with the rest of his work load.
Brian may continue with CAP for one more year. His only hesitation is that it feels more like a club. He wants to do search and rescue and Encampment, NRA certification and survival training.
I think we're doing co-op again.
Dance is on Mondays for 1.5 hours, down in town, one day a week.
Each of the kids has a night that they plan for and cook dinner.
For PE, we are only running/walking a mile every day, twice a day. I can't afford sports. And I can't run, due to sciatica. Getting old - in fact, today is my birthday. :-)
My mother is moving out here soon, so I have to plan for that, too.
Life in the fast lane - boo yah!
Ride along with a Deputy
I went on a ride along last Thursday. It was more than cool. It has, literally, changed me. I was becoming a little stagnant, a little fuzzy around the edges. God has used this experience to bring focus back to my life. He has renewed my vision by allowing me to come in contact with these men who are of such character that their presence elicited awe.
I wrote a 'report' after the fact, but I can't publish it until I change names and places. I'll get to that later this week.
I'm going to this every 6 months from now on. This is no longer about writing my book, although my writing has become more focused too. It is about becoming a part of the community who can make a difference. I will never be a Deputy or a Fire Fighter. But I can, in the years to come, put my name on a list of people who can be called at all hours of the day or night to come and help in a local disaster.
I'll post my rewrite of the 'report' later.
I wrote a 'report' after the fact, but I can't publish it until I change names and places. I'll get to that later this week.
I'm going to this every 6 months from now on. This is no longer about writing my book, although my writing has become more focused too. It is about becoming a part of the community who can make a difference. I will never be a Deputy or a Fire Fighter. But I can, in the years to come, put my name on a list of people who can be called at all hours of the day or night to come and help in a local disaster.
I'll post my rewrite of the 'report' later.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Returning to the blog thing
Been away from the computer, ok, well, not the computer, but away from the Internet for awhile. A friend visited from Florida and we had a good time. The kids and I are gearing up for school, buying books, setting schedules, etc. And I'm writing furiously, moving toward a deadline to publish, which has been set in motion.
We have another friend visiting the last week of August and then back to school.
I'm having fun writing - learning new things. I have a drive along coming up and I'm meeting with two different task force guys. I am gaining a tremendous respect for LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) and especially for those who go under cover. They are heroes. We go about our days, distracted by all manner of things, while these men and women risk their lives to save others.
Maybe in my writing, I can share a little glimpse of that for those who might read what I publish.
Be safe.
We have another friend visiting the last week of August and then back to school.
I'm having fun writing - learning new things. I have a drive along coming up and I'm meeting with two different task force guys. I am gaining a tremendous respect for LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) and especially for those who go under cover. They are heroes. We go about our days, distracted by all manner of things, while these men and women risk their lives to save others.
Maybe in my writing, I can share a little glimpse of that for those who might read what I publish.
Be safe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)